Vehicle Description
1959 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Super Cabriolet
• VIN 151XXX
• Engine No. 83268 (1600 Super)
• Transmission No. 25911 (Type 716)
• Certificate of Authenticity & Kardex
• Completed on February 4, 1959
• No. 65 of 943 Cabriolets produced in 1959
This is a phenomenal example of the final year of the 356A Type-2
Cabriolet, the top-of-the-line and special ordered with a 1600cc
Super engine, finished in a fantastic color combination of Meissen
Blau (5703) with a Red leather interior and tan floor mats. This US
Reutter Cabriolet was distributed by Intercaribbean in Hamburg,
Germany, and delivered to San Diego, California. Factory options
include US Overrider Bumpers and Sealed Beam Headlights.
The drivability of this 356A T2 Cabriolet is simply outstanding;
with plenty of power, it is fun to drive, and it has a
smooth-shifting 716 manual 4-speed transmission, which was produced
only in 1959. The 716 transmission makes this 356A drive, like no
other from the 1950s, simply an amazing driving experience. It is
well sorted and has been driven over 1,000 miles since the
restoration. It was driven to the Palm Pines 356 Club of Southern
California event in November 2024 and traveled 375 miles with no
issues over 3 day drive. And getting ready to drive to the North
meets the South - 356 Club of Southern California event in Cambria,
California, May 1-4, which will be an easy 1000-mile round trip
with over one hundred and fifty 356s. This 356 is well sorted and
is finished in a stunning original color combination that is ready
to enjoy!
The paintwork is in fantastic condition with aluminum trim, fresh
rubber seals, and beautiful bright work. The exterior is equipped
with US overrider bumpers, factory glass, and a black canvas
soft-top and boot cover. Original components include the date-coded
fuel tank, Fuel sender, seat recliners, and soft-top frame. The
interior is in exceptional condition and has been completely
reupholstered by K&H Auto Upholstery in California with oatmeal
German square weave carpets, red leather upholstery, headrests,
black canvas soft top, and tan rubber floor mats to factory
specifications with tan CoCo mats. The original VDM steering wheel
with a deluxe horn ring sits ahead of VDO instrumentation and a
working period Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. The undercarriage is solid,
rust-free, and has been fully detailed to show condition. 4.5" x
15" painted wheels with baby moon hubcaps mounted to Vredestein 165
HR15 tires.
According to the California registration from 1959, the first owner
was Dr Manuel Barba, a neurosurgeon who was living in San Diego,
California. The second owner, Gary Ragsdale, purchased the 356 in
May of 1965 from La Mesa, California, and in 1968, Ragsdale moved
to Beaverton, Oregon. In 1968, the 356 was sold to the third owner,
David Berentson, in Lake Oswego, later moving to Portland, Oregon,
with registrations from 1968 to 1978. The fourth owner, Mr.
Kemmerick from Woodburn, Oregon, purchased the 356 on February 28,
1978, and owned the 356 until 2018. The fifth owner purchased the
356 in 2018 and underwent a two-year restoration completed in 2020,
including a completely new interior, chrome work, mechanical, and
reassembly. Most recently, from 2023 to 2024, European Collectibles
performed a complete rebuild of the drum braking system; the
undercarriage was thoroughly detailed to show condition, a thorough
paint correction was completed, and the Super 1600cc engine was
completely rebuilt.
It is powered by the matching drive line with a 1600cc Super
flat-four engine (Type 1600 S) producing 75 horsepower and performs
flawlessly with plenty of power. The manual matching 4-speed
transmission (Type 716) shifts through all the gears with ease, and
the four-wheel drum braking system has been completely rebuilt. The
Porsche Kardex and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity verify the
originality of this 1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Reutter Cabriolet.
Complete with an owner's manual, tool kit, jack, spare tire, and 65
years of history. Look no further if you have been in the market
for a rare and eye-catching late model 356A Super Cabriolet.
